SECOND ECHELON

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21529, 16 December 1939, Page 10

SECOND ECHELON

Special Military Force Appeal For Recruits By Telegraph— Press Association WELLINGTON. December 15. An appeal for recruits to bring the second echelon of the Special Military Force up to full strength, and to provide the nucleus for the third echelon, was made by the Minister of Defence (Hon. F. Jones) in a statement to-night. Enlistments will be on the same conditions as those for the first echelon. “The first echelon has completed preliminary training," said Mr Jones, “and will shortly leave for advanced training overseas. Mobilisation camps will then be available for the training of the second echelon. Numbers of men who have already enlisted and been passed medically fit are waiting to enter camp with the second echelon, but more are required to make up the full strength and provide the nucleus for the third echelon. Those prepared to offer their services should do so as soon as possible. Officers for the second echelon have been training since November 8. Non-commissioned officers are also in training and their number will be supplemented from later enlistments. Some who volunteered for the first echelon were rejected on account of minor dental defects, but there will be no further rejections on this ground, as all such troubles will be rectified by army dental officers in camp.

“On the day recruiting opened for the first echelon, volunteers exceeded the total number required.” said Mr Jones. “Volunteers for the second echelon may have difficulty in beating this record, but they can equal it. Service with the forces involves sacrifice. but the Government has always believed that the necessary sacrifice would be made when the need was known. The men on final leave have obeyed the call of duty, and the country honours them. I am confident that their fellowmen will not falter now in a national effort to maintain and guarantee the safety of New Zealand and the British Commonwealth. “I have arranged for a continuation of the Central Recruiting Committee.” said the Minister, “and the following officers will carry out the campaign, with myself as chairman: Colonel O. H. Mead, D. 5.0., Adjutant-General. Mr F. B. Dwyer, of Army Headquarters, Major R. E. Murray. Army Publicity Officer, Major E. H. Whiting, of the Central Military District, Mr J. T. Paul. Director of Publicity. I cordially welcome the assistance of Territorial Associations, local bodies, and representatives of other organisations and citizens generally to ensure the success of this appeal.”